bethk

Thank you AngieK9; I'll go on UK Animal Rescuers now & CatChat.

Bump, no sign yet.

We are definately considering getting Taz neutered asap. Does anyone think he would calm down when left alone if he was neutered? Sadly, he has got worse - my mum won't even consider another dog yet, and we really don't know what to do. The relative who is looking after him 3 days a week has also asked if someone else can look after him 1 or 2 days as it's just too much for her - not being able to go out - she has every right to complain, he is our dog. When we got him, though, we had no idea he would be like this. Although, we do sympathise that it is our responsibility - as a dog owner - to overcome any problems Taz may have - But unfortunately, nothing yet suggested has worked . . . Beth

Smoothie

Sadly, still nothing.

Here's a picture of Tiggie:

A relative of mines cat went missing in January 2006. Although it's been almost a year, we still have hope someone might know where he is, or any information at all. I think he was around 5 years old but will need to double-check this & was very vocal & friendly. He was tabby in colour, and had a slightly pointed face and long, strong body (May have had some Siamese in him). He went missing from the Mossley area of Ashton-Under-Lyne. If anyone has any information at all, please contact me by PM. Will add picture when I get one. Thanks.

Yes, I'm aware that he would need to be neutered first. Thank you for all your help will definately discuss it. Beth

He's definately not a massive breed ! He's just below knee-height. Do you think fostering a dog would be a good idea to see how he goes? Beth EDITED TO SAY: He's the one in my picture, although you cant tell his size from it.

I do feel bad that he hasn't already been neutered, how much is it to neuter? He isnt really toy motivated, well he has certain toys he likes, but he ignores everything else, and only concentrates on us coming back. I think a friend is the answer really, and I think that if we fostered for a while to see if he improved, that would help. (Obviously it wouldnt be seeing if it works then chucking the dog out, because I'd already like to foster, it's just my mum at the mo!) It's just, if adopting another dog didn't work, then there would be two dogs for the relative to look after, and I think she's already a bit miffed that shes having to have him 3 days a week (Because she cant go out either.) Dont get me wrong, we absolutely ADORE Taz, our life wouldnt be the same without him. Thanks Beth Theres a massive pile of washing anyway Thanks though!

Thanks Cycas. Yes, unfortunately, the separation anxiety has gradually got worse. Firstly, I have to admit, he is unneutered. When we got him, his teeth were hurrendous & he had to have a big operation to have eight of them out. We've also been told that at eight he is too old. But, he will probably be done soon - I know he should have sooner. He is good with other dogs, when out & about, and when we had a friends female dog around he was thrilled! We find generally he is better with female dogs, and we came to the conclusion that the reason he was fighting in his previous home, was because they were both probably entire males & were put in a room together at night. The kong & food-related ideas are great. But, he isn't food motivated at all, and is extremely fussy. Just edited to say: Yes, he follows us everywhere & cant be in a room alone or even with one person, if the other person is in a separate room. (if that makes sense ) Thank you once again. Beth

Anyone got anymore ideas please?

Thank you for your replies! We have tried the DAP diffuser before, unfortunately there wasn't any change in his behaviour. The web cam idea is great, will look further into setting it up etc. About history etc, should have put before so here's a bit of information: We visited a small local rescue, looking for a dog to join our family. They didn't have any dogs which were suitable at the time, but took our information so they could contact us if a suitable match came in to the kennels. Shortly after, we recieved a call from them, stating that they may have found a suitable match. He didn't actually come into the kennels, but his owner couldn't keep him because he were fighting with the other dog in the household. All the information we were given was that, he was wary of men, good with cats, and most other dogs, and that he had never (in 7 years) visited a vet. We weren't given any information on how he was to be left alone. Hope this helps & thanks

We have had our dog, Taz, since March 2005. He is a lovely dog, he fits in perfectly. The only problem is he cannot be left for any period of time, without becoming distressed. It has got to the point where a member of the family has to look after him whilst we are at work & school for three days a week. We have tried the closing & opening doors method (we have glass doors) & also the picking up keys, putting coat on etc & nothing seems to be working. We have had various techniques & methods suggested to us by people including; getting another dog/trying Taz out alone with a friends/family's dog, to see how he is & if he improves & also getting a behaviourist, would any of these improve him? We cannot go anywhere alone without knowing he will be distressed when we arrive home, even if he is alone for five minutes. He shows many syptoms of separation anxiety, including: Slobbering down windows & doors. Scratching at the doors. Whining. He has sometimes wee'd & poo'd. Knocking things off surfaces, tables etc. Does anyone have any experience of SA or knows any methods which may reduce it? Thank you.

Nope. The person below me hasn't got their Xmas tree up yet!